Engage Sampson - October Newsletter

Sampson County, NC sent this bulletin at 10/01/2025 10:00 AM EDT

Stay Connected with Sampson County

Sampson Showdown Highlights Livestock Talent

The Sampson Showdown took place September 27–28 at the NC Cooperative Extension – Sampson Center. It has transformed from a local tradition into a premier livestock event, thanks to the vision of 4-H Agent Amanda Knight and a dedicated team. This year’s show drew a record 437 entries—up from 120 in past years—and welcomed exhibitors from five states. With national judge Ryan Rash and seamless teamwork from organizers including Eileen Coite, Paul Gonzalez, Brad Hardison, Max Knowles, Elizabeth Merrill, and Zachary Parker, the event secured Sampson County’s place on the national stage.

The Showdown was more than just a livestock event—it showed how important agriculture remains to the local economy and daily life. The competition gave young people a chance to develop skills and gain experience, while also connecting neighbors and families around a shared tradition. Events like this help keep agricultural knowledge strong, provide learning opportunities for the youth, and remind the community of the central role farming continues to play in the county.

Pictures and information source: NC Cooperative Extension - Sampson Center

Celebrate Registered Environmental Health Specialist Week

We proudly celebrate Registered Environmental Health Specialist Week (September 21-27, 2025)
These Specialists play a vital role in protecting public health — from food safety and clean water to disease prevention and environmental protection. Their dedication helps ensure safer, healthier communities for us all.
Please join us in recognizing and thanking these public health heroes!

County EMS Enhances Emergency Response with New Ambulance

Sampson County EMS recently took delivery of a new ambulance. EMS Assistant Chief Mark Trathen shows Chairman Allen McLamb and County Manager Allen Vann a Stair Chair that is used to moved patients down a set of stairs where the patient can then be transferred to a stretcher. Sampson County is committed to ensuring EMS teams are equipped for any scenario, from medical emergencies to disaster evacuations.

Pretty in Pink Returns!

The Sampson County Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) Advisory Board and Sampson County Health Department are proud to relaunch the beloved Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Rally and Health Fair, last held in 2019, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church (900 College St., Clinton).

This vibrant “Pretty in Pink” event will feature vendors, motivational speakers, entertainment, door prizes, a grand raffle, refreshments, and the Simply Delicious food truck for tasty treats. Survivors and community members are warmly invited to join in raising awareness for this vital cause. Let’s come together, celebrate strength, and support breast cancer awareness in Sampson County!

Cooking for One (or Two) Nutrition and Cooking

Join the NC Cooperative Extension - Sampson Center for our first Cooking for One (or Two) nutrition and cooking series!

This program was created by popular demand to help those living in small households cook healthy meals without having tons of leftovers. One of the top complaints heard in our nutrition workshops is that cooking for one is no fun, or making big meals is the only way to cook. Join us to learn about how to reduce your serving sizes, while also learning cooking techniques, building a balanced plate, shopping tips and tricks, and proper food storage and leftover use to reduce food waste. This 4 session series will include a presentation followed by hands-on cooking.

The class will be held Wednesdays, October 15th – November 5th, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Class cost is $20 for the entire series thanks to sponsorship from United Way of Sampson County. Click here to register.

Calling All Earth Enthusiasts: Envirothon Needs You!

Want to start a NC Envirothon team? 🌱
🔹️The Envirothon program is a hands-on environmental and natural resources competition for middle and high school students.
🔹️If you're a teacher at the middle or high school level in Sampson County and you're interested in starting an Envirothon team, let us know! This is a great opportunity for science and agriculture teachers, FFA advisors, and students!
🔹️NC FFA uses the NC Envirothon competition to qualify for the National FFA Environmental Quality Competition. FFA teams, along with all other Envirothon teams, must first compete in an Area Envirothon before advancing to the NC Envirothon.
👉For more information, call our office at (910)592-7963 ext. 3 or email candice.adams@sampsoncountync.gov.

Envirothon

Sampson-Clinton Public Library Book Sale

Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap

BOC Meeting Agenda

BOC Meeting Video

Upcoming Events and Activities

Board of Commissioners Meeting

📅Date: Monday, October 6, 2025

⏰Time: 6:00 PM

📍Location: County Auditorium, 435 Rowan Road, Clinton, NC 28328

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Story Time

Children and their families are invited to join us for books and fun activities. The theme of this month's story time will be pumpkins. Story time are most suitable for children 5 & under with their caregivers.

📅Date: October 7

⏰Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

📍Location: Miriam Lamb Memorial Library, 144 S Church Ave, Garland, NC 28441

Blood Drive

The Sampson Regional Medical Center Blood Donor Center will be hosting a blood drive at the Clinton JC Holiday Library.

📅Date: October 7

⏰Time: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

📍Location: JC Holiday Library, 217 Graham Street, Clinton, NC 28328

Story Time

📅Date: October 9

⏰Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

📍Location: Roseboro Library, 300 W Roseboro St, Roseboro, NC, 28382

Sweet Potato Field Day

Join the NC Cooperative Extension - Sampson Center for the annual Sweetpotato Field Day hosted by NC State University in conjunction with the NC Sweetpotato Commission. Starting at 2:00pm visit with vendors and sponsors, then stick around to see and hear the latest in sweet potato research via poster presentations, short talks, and a field tour. There is no fee to attend, and dinner is provided!

📅Date: October 9

⏰Time: 02:00 PM - 06:30 PM

📍Location: Horticultural Crops Research, 2450 Faison Hwy, Clinton, NC 28328

Adopt in the Park

Sampson County Animal Shelter will be at the Go Bark Park at Fisher Drive in downtown Clinton with dogs available for adoption.
The fees will be waived!
This event will be for dogs only. Adopters must be 18+ years and must provide an ID.

📅Date: October 11

⏰Time: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM

📍Location: Fisher Drive Park, Clinton, NC, 28328

Clinton Square Fair

Annual outdoor community fair, including food, activities, entertainment and shopping with local vendors. BBQ contest on the square during the event.

📅Date: October 11

⏰Time: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

📍Location: Downtown Clinton, NC, 28328

Planning Board Meeting Schedule

📅Date: Monday, October 13, 2025

⏰Time: 6:00 PM

📍Location: County Auditorium, 435 Rowan Rd, Clinton, NC 28328

Meeting Schedule

Story Time

📅Date: October 14

⏰Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

📍Location: JC Holiday Library, 217 Graham Street, Clinton, NC, 28328

Blood Drive

The Sampson Regional Medical Center Blood Donor Center will be hosting a blood drive at the Bryan Memorial Library in Newton Grove.

📅Date: October 14

⏰Time: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

📍Location: Bryan Memorial Library, 302 Weeksdale Street, Newton Grove, NC, 28366

Emotional Wellness Workshop

Join us at the Garland Senior Center on October 15 for a free workshop on emotional wellness during the holiday season. Learn practical strategies to cope with stress, loneliness, and holiday challenges while connecting with local support resources.

📅Date: October 15

⏰Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

📍Location: Garland Senior Center, 91 N Church Avenue, Garland, NC

Story Time

📅Date: October 16

⏰Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

📍Location: Bryan Memorial Library, 302 W Weeksdale St, Newton Grove, NC, 28366

Digital Learning

Do you have any question about computer basics, Internet, email, and smart phone? Join us at the Sampson-Clinton Public Library various locations for this digital learning session!

📅Date: October 22

⏰Time: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

📍Location: JC Holiday Library, 217 Graham Street, Clinton, NC, 28328

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Caregiver Support Group

📅Date: October 23, 2025

⏰Time: 11:00 AM

📍Location: Sampson County Senior Services, 405 County Complex Road, Building B, Clinton, NC 28328

Support Group Calendar

Caregiver Support Group

📅Date: October 23, 2025

⏰Time: 1:00 PM

📍Location: Sampson County Senior Services, 405 County Complex Road, Building B, Clinton, NC 28328

Support Group Calendar

Alive After Five 2025

Alive After Five is a Summer Concert Series presented by: Sampson Arts Council, City of Clinton & Sampson County.

Band: Jim Quick & Coastline

📅Date: October 23, 2025

⏰Time: 6:00 PM

📍Location: Clinton City Market, Lisbon Street, Clinton, NC 28328

Annual Trunk or Treat - Touch a Truck

Sampson County Emergency Services will host their 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat - Touch a Truck Event at the Emergency Management Facility. Come and join the fun!

📅Date: October 25, 2025

⏰Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

📍Location: 530 Commerce Street, Clinton, NC, 28328

Homeschool Connections

Please join us for upcoming Homeschool Connections! Activities will be most appropriate for elementary school age children, but all ages of homeschool students are welcome!

📅Date: October 28

⏰Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 AM

📍Location: JC Holiday Library, 217 Graham Street, Clinton, NC, 28328

Blood Drive

The Sampson Regional Medical Center Blood Donor Center will be hosting a blood drive at the Roseboro Public Library.

📅Date: October 14

⏰Time: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

📍Location: Roseboro Public Library, 300 W Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC, 28382

Monthly Healthy Recipe

Brought to you by our NC Cooperative Extension - Sampson County Center, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Sydney Knowles.

Eating well is key to feeling your best and supporting long-term health. Each month, Mrs. Knowles will share a simple, nutritious recipe to help you make healthier choices that fit your lifestyle.

Roasted Butternut Squash

If you’ve been to the grocery store recently, you’ve probably seen some of my favorite fall vegetables available! Today I wanted to highlight a not so common veggie that has been welcomed in my workshops for quite some time : butternut squash. Butternut squash is a type of winter squash known for its sweet, nutty flavor. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. It contains Vitamin A, which is essential for regulating cell growth, and B Vitamins, which your body needs for energy and red blood cell formation. Below you’ll find my favorite way to cook butternut squash : roasted! This is delicious all on its own, but I also love to throw roasted butternut squash into chili, on salads, or blended into soup. Some other fun fall gourds to try this season include acorn squash, buttercup squash, and sugar pumpkin, which can all be prepared the exact same was as below. Happy Fall!!

Roasted Butternut Squash

Ingredients:

-1 butternut squash

-1/4 cup of oil (I like to use olive oil)

-1 tsp salt

-1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F and peel butternut squash. Tip: If it’s hard to peel, throw it in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, let it cool, then try again. You can repeat until the outer skin is soft.
Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
Dice butternut squash into around 1 inch pieces.
Place in a bowl and toss butternut squash in oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread out evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet. Try to give the pieces space so they roast instead of steam (steaming happens when the pieces are touching each other).
Bake for 30 minutes, tossing halfway through. It’s done when it’s slightly brown on the edges.